A new CDC study reveals that the H5N1 bird flu virus is likely circulating undetected in livestock across the US, potentially infecting veterinarians.
A recent study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a concerning trend: the H5N1 bird flu virus is likely spreading undetected in livestock across the country, potentially infecting veterinarians without their knowledge. The study, detailed in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, involved researchers from the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health , and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
They analyzed blood samples from 150 bovine veterinarians across 46 states and Canada, discovering that three individuals tested positive for antibodies against the H5N1 virus. Astonishingly, none of the infected veterinarians reported experiencing any symptoms, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), the most common symptom observed in human cases. Furthermore, none of the affected vets recalled working with cattle or poultry known to be infected with the virus. One veterinarian, for instance, stated they had practiced solely in Georgia (working with dairy cows) and South Carolina (working with poultry) – two states that hadn't reported H5N1 infections in dairy cows at the time.The findings have sparked surprise among experts. Seema Lakdawala, a microbiologist at Emory University in Atlanta who was not involved in the research, expressed astonishment at the relatively low number of positive antibody tests (2%) considering another CDC study indicated a 17% infection rate among dairy workers. She was even more surprised that none of the infected veterinarians were aware of their infection or any contact with infected animals. Lakdawala emphasized the significance of serum surveillance studies in identifying undiagnosed infections. She underscored the crucial role veterinarians play on the front lines of outbreaks and stressed the need for enhanced biosafety practices, such as respiratory and eye protection, to minimize their exposure risk.Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, characterized the study as a 'good and bad news story.' While acknowledging the concerning evidence of potential undetected H5N1 outbreaks on farms, she found reassurance in the lack of widespread infection among veterinarians, suggesting that there's ample opportunity to prevent further spread to farms and worker illnesses. The study, conducted in September 2024, predated the significant surge in human infections. At the time, only four human cases had been reported, and the virus was believed to be confined to dairy cattle in 14 states. Since then, the situation has evolved dramatically. 68 individuals have been infected, with 40 cases linked to contact with infected dairy cows, and the virus has spread to herds in 16 states. John Korslund, a retired U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist, noted the intriguing but imprecise nature of using antibody detection in veterinarians to gauge cattle incidence. However, he highlighted the critical point that humans are susceptible to subclinical infections and potential reassortment risks, a known concern. Reassortment, the mixing and exchange of genetic material between different influenza viruses, can lead to the creation of novel, more virulent strains. Korslund emphasized the significance of the D1.1 strain, detected in Nevada dairy cattle and a human resident, which is altering the landscape of the outbreak. He suggested that people may be more or less susceptible, and the potential for severity may increase or decrease due to this strain's unique characteristics. Korslund expressed confidence that the D1.1 strain will be discovered in other states, stressing the need for continued investigation into its behavior and transmissibility within and between cattle herds.
H5N1 Bird Flu Livestock Veterinarians CDC Study Reassortment D1.1 Strain
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